Day 1 – Thursday, May 1 Leave JFK Airport for Morocco
Today, fly on an overnight flight from JFK on our optional group flight or on your own.
Day 2 – Friday, May 2 Casablanca
Arrive into Casablanca this morning and catch the group transfer to your hotel. Today is yours to relax and take in the local sights and sounds at your leisure. You may choose to visit the Jewish Museum, walk through the Old Medina, or take in the art deco buildings and French Colonial architecture. Tonight, we begin with a Group Welcome and Orientation followed by an Amazing Journeys Shabbat Service and a Group Welcome Dinner. (D)
Day 3 – Saturday, May 3 Meknes
Our full day of touring begins this morning as we visit the great Mosque of Hassan II before driving to the imperial city of Meknes built by Sultan Moulay Ismail in honor of himself. The gate faces Place el-Hadim, where, after dark, many Moroccan families come to be entertained by story-tellers, snake-charmers, horse rides and medicine men. We continue to the ruins of Volubilis, the best preserved Roman ruins in Morocco and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you’ll find one of Morocco’s most colorful fresh produce souqs and also discover the many artisans and their crafts. From here we enter what is left of the imperial city and visit the small but impressive Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, pass by the entrance of the Meknes Royal Palace and end up at Moulay Ismail’s massive Heri es Souani. This was his personal stable and granary for his 12,000 horses. (B, D)
Day 4 – Sunday, May 4 Volubilis / Fes
Making our way through the rolling hills to our next stop, the ruins of Volubilis, the best-preserved Roman ruins in Morocco and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wandering through the deserted streets where chariots once passed, you can envision the vibrance the town once held. Our local guide will explain about life in the old Roman Empire – peering into old bathhouses, marveling at the still-present mosaic floors and gazing up at the towering marble pillars. After, we’ll enjoy a traditional lunch in the village of Moulay Idriss before we continue on to Fes for the evening. This area has the feel of a French provincial town, with its cafés, restaurants and wide boulevards. Tonight you may choose to enjoy a Moroccan feast at one of the many local restaurants and finish off the night with some famous Moroccan mint tea. (B, L)
Day 5 – Monday, May 5 Fes
Embark on a half day walking tour of the Fes medina, the world’s largest living Medieval medina. As we enter one of the great gates, you will have a sense of the chaotic, confusing and crazy labyrinth of shops, spice markets, bakers, butchers and more who sell their wares between these walls. We end at Fes’s famous Tannery where we have great panoramic views. Also on our morning tour you will see the religious and historical heart of the city when we visit Moulay Idriss II’s Mausoleum, the 14th century Bou Inania Medersa and the 9th century Al Karaouine University. This afternoon, you will have free time to explore the winding lanes and alleys and visit some of the many artisans and shops. Tonight, join us at a grand old Fes riad which has been converted into a spectacular restaurant. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal of local specialties, followed by entertainment including belly dancing, singing and local folk music. (B, D)
Day 6 – Tuesday, May 6 Merzouga
It’s an early start this morning as we continue our journey, watching the scenery of this diverse country change as we head over the Middle Atlas Mountains with its cedar forests and through the ski area of Ifrane into the desert regions, through the vast palm groves of the Ziz Valley and right up to the majestic Saharan sand dunes. Keep your eyes open for a glimpse of Barbary apes en route. We spend the night in a comfortable Kasbah style desert hotel at the edge of the dunes. This evening, we’ve included a short camel ride into the nearby dunes to watch the sunset. We overnight in Merzouga, enjoying dinner consisting of local style Moroccan food at our hotel. (B, D)
Day 7 – Wednesday, May 7 Todra Gorge / Tineghir
Our day of natural beauty and breathtaking landscapes starts with a morning sunrise excursion in 4 x 4’s to explore the sea of sand dunes of the Sahara Desert. Learn to wrap a turban and take photos perched atop a dune with no one for miles around. The rest of the day takes us through a stone desert to the breathtaking Todra Gorge followed by a visit to the palm grove. We head to our final stop of Tineghir for a well deserved night’s rest. (B)
Day 8 – Thursday, May 8 Aït Benhaddou Kasbah / Marrakech
We travel this morning to the village of Aït Benhaddou Haddou, a wonderful example of a kasbah, a type of fortress or palace. Carefully restored over the years and now classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is considered to be one of the best preserved kasbahs in Morocco. During our visit to the Kasbah, lose yourself in the narrow, winding passageways and feel the magical atmosphere of this incredible structure. We’ll enjoy traditional lunch at the Kasbah. From here, we travel to Marrakech through the Tizi n’Tichka pass at 2200 meters in the High Atlas Mountains on a winding mountain road with breathtaking views over the highest peaks in Morocco. We’ll arrive in the early evening to Marrakech, in time for visit to Djemaa el Fna square. Enjoy watching the acrobats, fortune tellers and snake charmers plying their trade. (B, L)
Day 9 – Friday, May 9 Marrakech
This morning we will tour the old Jewish Quarter of Marrakech and the 500 year old Synagogue. Together with our local guide, you will learn about the history of the Jews in Morocco, which is as old as the Roman times. Today, there is still a Jewish community although very much smaller than in the past. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the fascinating city of Marrakech and dive into the labyrinth of the souks. Tourists and locals alike find everything they desire here; whether it’s spices, traditional jalabas and slippers, or famous Moroccan lanterns, the selection here is exhaustive, and don’t forget to bargain – it’s definitely part of the fun. Tonight, join us for a traditional Moroccan Shabbat service, followed by dinner at the home of the Chazan. Here, we’ll meet some locals from the community and perhaps other Jewish tourists as well. (B, D)
Day 10 – Saturday, May 10 Marrakech / Transfer to Casablanca
Today we embark on a tour of the souks and sights of Marrakech including the Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs. This evening we’ll transfer to Casablanca and check into our hotel for our final night together. Tonight we’ll enjoy our Farewell Program and group dinner before packing up to go home. (B, D)
Day 11 – Sunday, May 11 Casablanca
This morning we’ll transfer to the airport in the wee hours of the morning for our flight home. A group departure transfer to the airport included. (B)
Our Hotels
May 2: Club Val d’Anfa Hotel
May 3: Hotel Transatlantique
May 4-5: Pickalbatros
May 6: Hotel Kasbah Tombouctu
May 7: Kenzi Saghro
May 8-9: Hotel Diwane
May 10: Club Val d’Anfa Hotel
Please note:
– You must be in good physical condition to participate in this tour
– Hotels will be confirmed closer to departure date
– The order of this tour may change
All rooms are non-smoking where we match roommates. Items listed on this website are subject to change at any time. By providing payment you agree to the terms and conditions as outlined on this website.
Cancellation Policy for Journey to Morocco: From the time of deposit, $250 will be kept on file as a “Lifetime Deposit” with our tour operator. The remaining $100 is non-refundable. From February 28 – March 30, 2014, the cancellation penalty is 50% of the total price with the exception of $250 which is kept on file as a “Lifetime Deposit” with our tour operator and airfare is 100% non-refundable. Cancellations made on or after April 1, 2014 and ”no-shows” will receive no refund with the exception of the $250 deposit which is kept on file as a “Lifetime Deposit” with our tour operator. There is no refund in the event of interruption or cancellation after the start of the journey.
Cancellation Insurance: Cancellation insurance is required for participation in this program. Information will be sent with your confirmation.
Flights and Transfers: International airfare is not included with the tour cost. The tour begins and ends at our hotel in Casablanca unless you are on our international airline package from New York. Details on the group flight from JFK will be provided in your confirmation letter. Passengers are responsible for getting themselves to and from the airport at the start and end of the tour unless you travel at the time of our group transfers.
Taxes and Gratuities: There are no arrival or departure taxes into or out of Morocco at this time. Taxes, surcharges, and government fees are based on December 2013 rates and are always subject to change as governments allow. Gratuities have been included on this tour and include tips for the Tour Manager (CEO), local guides, baggage handlers, and all meals included in the cost of the tour.
Passport Requirements: A Passport is necessary to travel on this itinerary. It must be valid for six months beyond the last day of the trip. At this time, no visas are necessary to enter Morocco for those from the US, Canada or EU countries. If you are traveling to Morocco and are a citizen of another country, please check the website for the Embassy of Morocco to see if a visa is necessary.
This tour is operated by G Adventures
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